need vacuum pump advise

Carl Ford Article *LINK*

Jeff Willaford

Carl Ford's article on vacuum chucks is one of the best I've seen.

There are also numerous packages available for purchase from other sources. JT Turning Tools is one example of that. http://www.jtturningtools.com/vacuumpumps-kits


Carl Ford Vacuum Chuck article

Fixtures and Chucks . . . *LINK*

Doc Green

First of all, the Carl Ford article is excellent in all regards. Period.

Having said that, two chapters of "Fixtures and Chucks for Woodturners" are devoted to vacuum systems and vacuum chucks. One covers the vacuum system and the other vacuum chucks, with the emphasis being on how to make your own, including the rotary adapter.

The approach I suggest is much simpler than what is suggested in the article above. Aside from the vacuum pump, you only need to purchase a few items, namely bearings, vacuum hose, a filter for the pump, a couple of hose clamps, plus the valves and a vacuum gauge. (What am I forgetting?)

Yes, I am promoting my book. If you buy it, I stand to make 70 cents. You can find more about the book on my website.

And while I'm here, let me say Thanks once again to all the turners (including Jeff W.) who provided assistance years ago when I was putting my own vacuum system together.

~Doc

PS: I just checked the listing for the book on Amazon ($18.02), and if you "Look inside the book," you can see the chapters on vacuum systems. Neat!


Doc's Website

Re: need vacuum pump advise

Ric Taylor

Here is the website you need: http://www.frugalvacuumchuck.com/

I have this system and love it, very easy to set up and the pump is half the price you would pay otherwise. I know of several other turners who like their systems as well. Bob's booth is set up at the major symposiums and he does a booming business.

The pump is built to ISO standards, to run continuously for 5 years before maintenance is required.

Here is a quote from the website:

"I am presently using a Thomas 2660 industrial pressure/vacuum pump, re-manufactured in a ISO 9001:2008 facility. These American made pumps are typically from home oxygen concentrators and are designed to run 24/7/365 for 5+ years before needing maintenance. Formerly I purchased these pumps as salvage and rebuilt in house as needed. The salvage pumps are no longer available in quantities that I need to fulfill orders.

The re-manufactured pumps are a spectacular value. Every moving wear part is replaced; armature and eccentric bearings, piston sleeves, piston cups and valves. I install a new capacitor, a 6' power cord with an inline switch and rubber motor mounts. I bought a massive quantity of pumps and are able to offer them at a similar price as my in-house rebuilt pumps.

The pumps are a dry synthetic piston and will pull 27-28" vacuum * (90% local atmospheric pressure). They exceed vacuum venturii and diaphragm pumps by 2-6"

I'm really happy with my system.

Doc Green's book

John K Jordan

And an unsolicited independent endorsement for Doc Green's book - Two Skew Chisels Up from JKJ.

Re: need vacuum pump advise

dick hines

Phil, you welcome to come and check out my vacuum system. The pump is where you will spend the most money. The other parts you can get a local hardware store.

Re: need vacuum pump advise

George Balock

I pieced my system together a number of years ago. I bought (and have since replaced) my vacuum pump on eBay. The first one I got pulled okay, but I saw a Gast at a good price used and couldn't pass it up.

I got the rest of the hoses, valves and gauge from McMaster Carr. The biggest outlay of cash I made was for the Oneway chucks. They are made from aluminum and my best guess is they will last forever.

The last thing I purchased that is a real help was a tap to match my headstock thread. I have been able to make custom vacuum chucks from UHMW PE.

Oh and I have to mention Foamies. These are thin closed cell foam that is seld adhesive. I use these as the seal on the chucks. They cost about a buck a sheet at your big box craft store.

Good luck on your system. Once you use it, you'll wonder how you lived without it.

George

Doc Green's book - Excellent

Jeff Willaford

Don't know how I failed to mention Doc's book in my previous post. Excellent book that covers a wide variety of methods for holding pieces.

2nd for Bob Leonard (frugalvac)

John Kaner

Set up two of these, one for my mentor. Great pump, sure beats oil mist of a/c type pump and replacing mineral oil...

Bob Leonard was very helpful and shipped using USPS Flat Rate. $15.00 to Alaska!

Bob advertises in the (AAW) American Woodturner...

Other named places wanted over $75.00 shipping.

Just a happy user as is my friend.

Re: Doc Green's book

John Kaner

This is a great book and has proven very helpful. It belongs in the shop, not stored on a shelf...

Re: Doc Green's book

John K Jordan

>>>It belongs in the shop, not stored on a shelf...

Or as I do, on the shelf in the shop office. :-)

JKJ

Re: need vacuum pump advise

Joe Fleming

I have a Frugal system. Love it. And they are really helpful people too. Joe

Re: Doc Green's book

Bill Blasic

I too swear by Doc's book and keep it handy (Mine is signed by the author).

Re: need vacuum pump advise

john lucas

I'm on my third vacuum pump. I built the first one from a car compressor. The second one was a no name vacuum pump and the third one is a Ghast pump that I bought used at the flea mkt. I've watched the use of vacuum systems and if I was buying today I would look seriously at the Holdfast venturi style system. You do need a source of compressed air but it's far far less than the early venturi style systems. Powermatic uses a system similar on it's new 2442. The system is very compact, uses little air, and is considerably less expensive.

Re: need vacuum pump advise

Larry Copas

I recently built a system using a Gast 0523 pump. Same as most of the examples found on the web with three exceptions. I used a check valve on the input to my pump so I don't loose vacuum back feeding through the pump when the power is shut off. Used a dead fire extinguisher tank for back up vacuum in case of power failure while turning. I put a three way valve on the input to my vacuum adapter. This allows me to instantly and easily release work from the chuck and at the same time preserve vacuum in the system. This was a big improvement over other systems and worth buying the valve ($16).

Got most fittings from Surplus Center. The filter they sell has an oddball thread that nothing fits. I was able to remove the fitting and re-tap to 1/4” NPT.

I got the three way valve, check valve, three way hose barb, and hose from McMaster.

I used pex rings on all my hose connections. Much neater and I had them on hand.

Re: need vacuum pump advise

philip f Duffy

Thanks to All who made such great comments and advise. Philip